Jim Jarvis wrote:
> AM Broadcast antenna installations routinely use silver solder.
>
> Can't say there's never been a problem, but I haven't seen one
> reported.
>
> I can say that I've observed many tens of direct tower strikes,
> with zero ground system failures due to the strike current.
>
> And, I've replaced aged ground systems without ever noticing a
> problem with the silver solder.
>
> The fact that you have to use acetylene to get the stuff hot
> enough may tell you something....there is silver-bearing solder
> which has a low melting point. That's NOT what you want. If I
> recall correctly, the stuff we've used melts @ 800F. You can't
> get there with propane.
>
> Having said that, I don't own an acetylene torch (you can rent 'em),
> and as a result, have used clamps and gentle radii in my home ground
> systems.
> But I haven't put in a 10x10 ground screen & 120 radials, either.
>
> n2ea/jim
Apparently, CAD welding is a true welding process which joins the
conductors together using superheated copper. However, I doubt that
the increased resistance of a brazed joint would make any difference
in the real world. Brazing requires a modicum of skill while CAD
welding is almost idiot proof. Therein, I think, lies the real reason
for requiring CAD welded connections.
73, Roger
--
Remember the USS Liberty (AGTR-5)
http://ussliberty.org/
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